Projecting the 2023 Masters cut line at Augusta National
It’s cut day at Augusta National — well, it was and still is.
Players began the second round of play at the 2023 Masters, but play was suspended after three trees fell just off the 17th tee box. No injuries were sustained.
Thirteen groups have yet to finish their second rounds. They’ll begin play again on Saturday at 8 a.m. in hopes of beating the coming rain that’s set to envelop the grounds over the next 24 hours.
Here’s a look at how things could shake out:
How is the Masters cut formed line?
The Masters adjusted how it does its cut line in 2020, now granting the top 50 players with ties and those within 10 strokes of the leader.
That, though, is a stark change to past years.
The cut was instituted in 1957 at Augusta National, where it began as the lowest 40 golfers and ties. From 1962-2012, it was low 44 and those within 10 strokes of the leader. That changed again between 2013 and 2019 to include the low 50 players and ties and those within 10 strokes of the leader.
What is the Masters cut?
As of 6 p.m. Friday, the Masters cut projects to be around 2-over par.
It’s unclear how weather will affect play on Saturday, but the line should shift up some considering eight players are within two shots on either side of the line. (Last year’s cut line was 4-over par.)
Brooks Koepka holds the clubhouse lead at 12-under following a second round 67 in the morning. Amateur Sam Bennett is four-shots back after firing his second 68 in as many days to sit at 8-under.
First round co-leader Jon Rahm is currently 9-under with nine holes still to play in his second round.
Will Tiger Woods make the cut at the Masters?
Tiger Woods is currently just inside the projected cut line at 2-over par with seven holes to play in his second round. The five-time Masters champion was even on the day when play was suspended.
Woods hasn’t missed a cut at the Masters since 1996 — his second ever start in the tournament. He could tie Fred Couples and Gary Player for the most consecutive cuts made at Augusta National if he plays well on Friday.
Two other past champions are also in trouble. Zach Johnson (2-over) and Sergio Garcia (2-over) are both in the same camp as Woods, needing strong performances on Friday to stay into the weekend.
Cuts leaders at Augusta National
Jack Nicklaus (37) holds the record for the most cuts made in Masters history. Gary Player and Fred Couples (30) have the next most, followed by Raymond Floyd (27), Bernhard Langer (27) and Phil Mickelson (26).
Couples and Mickelson were both in position to make the cut after the first round at the 2023 Masters. Should he make it, Couples would become the oldest player to ever make the cut at Augusta National — breaking a mark set by Langer in 2019 at 63 years old.
Mickelson finished his second round 4-under for the tournament and will almost certainly play into the weekend.
Coupes is currently even with one hole left to play in his second round.
Masters cut history
2022: 147 (+4)
2021: 147 (+3)
2020: 144 (E)
2019: 147 (+3)
2018: 149 (+8)
2017: 150 (+6)
2016: 150 (+6)
2015: 146 (+2)
2014: 148 (+4)
2013: 148 (+4)
Augusta weather forecast
According to National Weather Service
- Saturday: High near 50. Chance of precipitation 100%.
- Sunday: Rain likely (60%). Best chance is before 8 a.m. High near 59.
This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 10:33 AM.
